09-09-25 SignedKALISPELL CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
September 9, 2025
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL
The regular meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and
CALL
Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission
members present were Doug Kauffman, Joshua Borgardt, Cate
Walker and Rory Young (Zoom). PJ Sorensen, Kirstin Robinson,
and Donnie McBath represented the Kalispell Planning
Department.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Borgardt moved and Walker seconded a motion to approve the
minutes of the August 12, 2025 meeting of the Kalispell City
Planning Board and Zoning Commission.
VOTE BY ACCLAMATION
The motion passed unanimously on a vote of acclamation.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
None.
KZTA-25-01— EAVES SETBACK
Hayden Homes has submitted a petition for a zoning text
amendment relating to how setbacks are applied to a structure's
eaves. Current zoning regulations, under Section 27.37.010(177),
defines a setback as "The horizontal distance required between
any structure (i.e. the furthest extension of the structure, typically
an eave line or deck) and a lot line...." This amendment would
allow eaves to extend up to two (2) feet into the setback areas in
the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 zones.
STAFF REPORT
PJ Sorensen representing the Kalispell Planning Department
reviewed Staff report #KZTA-25-01.
Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission
adopt the findings in staff report KZTA-25-01 and recommend
to the Kalispell City Council that the proposed amendment be
adopted as provided herein.
BOARD DISCUSSION
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Peter Hagen - Hayden Homes — 250 SE Timber Ave. Redmond,
OR - Hayden Homes — Supports the amendment because it
benefits the community with minimal impact.
Kisa Davison — Iron Star Construction - 326 6" Ave E — Read a
letter written by Iron Star's job superintendent Shane Cooke that
supports the amendment. She is also in support of the amendment
for the same reasons that Mr. Hagen and Mr. Cooke presented.
MOTION — KZTA-25-01
Walker moved and Borgardt seconded that the Kalispell City
Planning Commission adopt the findings in staff report KZTA-
25-01 and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the
proposed amendment be adopted as provided herein.
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2025
Page
BOARD DISCUSSION
Sorensen clarified to Borgardt and Walker that historically the 5ft
setbacks were for fire protection and that, if the amendment is
adopted, additional fire separation requirements could apply
under the building code. Sorensen also advised Borgardt that
snowfall on a fence is a private issue that does not put the city at
risk. Young advised the commission that his firm has previously
represented Hayden Homes and Iron Star Construction but is not
currently representing them and offered to recuse himself should
the commission feel there is a conflict of interest. The commission
unanimously agreed that there was no conflict.
ROLL CALL
Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Sorensen updated the commission on city council action on items
from the August Planning Commission meeting.
Sorensen updated the board on the upcoming October 14, 2025
NEW BUSINESS
Planning Commission Meeting and Work Session.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:26 PM.
WORK SESSION
Transitioned into work session on the' Montana Land Use
Planning Act.
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APPROVED as submitted/amended: IzD-S
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irstin Robinson
Recording Secretary
Kalispell City Planning Commission
Minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2025
Page; 2